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Ward Lake At a Glance
Description:
Ward Lake provides a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. There is a 1.3 mile nature trail around the lake beginning at the picnic area. Deer are commonly seen in the area and occasionally a black bear has been known to wander through! Birdwatching is also excellent in the area. The Ward Lake Recreation Area provides a wide variety of developed recreation facilites.
Viewing Information:
A window into the world of the temperate rainforest, the Ward Lake Recreation Area offers many wildlife watching opportunities. In addition to the commonly seen Sitka black-tailed deer, there is a beaver lodge on Ward Lake and beaver can often be spotted during the twilight hours.
Birdwatching along the nature trails is good, and observant bird watchers can hope to see kinglets, chickadees, thrushes, winter wrens and Townsend's warblers. In early spring, trumpeter swans, goldeneye, and bufflehead will visit the lake.
Across the road from Ward Lake is Perserverance Lake Trail. This trail winds about three miles through the forest and muskeg and ends at beautiful Perserverance Lake. This trail is slightly more difficult to hike, but offers additional opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Safety First:
Wild animals are unpredictable. To reduce disturbance to the animals and to promote safety for people, please use binoculars or telephoto lenses for viewing and/or photographing wildlife.
Walking off trails or cutting switchbacks can cause damage to the soils and vegetation. Also, the devil's club plant is covered with thorns and can cause painful sores. It is advisable to stay on established trails and walkways.
Directions:
Ward Lake is located about six miles north of Ketchikan near Ward Cove. Follow the Tongass Highway north about 4.5 miles from Ketchikan to Ward Lake Road (State Highway 39). Ward Lake Road will be on the right with directional signs to the lake. Follow the gravel road for about 1.5 miles. Camping is available at Signal Creek, 3C's, and Last Chance Campgrounds; all of which are in the immediate area. Ward Lake Picnic Area is located next to the lake and has shelters and water available.
Ownership & Management:
USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest; Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District (907) 225-2148
Closest Town:
Ketchikan, Alaska
Best Viewing Season:
